More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)

Tommy Cooper

(1921–84)Much loved comedian-conjuror, a shambling figure in a red fez who liked to accompany the final collapse of a trick with the catch phrase 'just like that'. He was a regular at the London Palladium, and for many years had his own television series, It's Magic. Only an extremely accomplished conjuror could have achieved his chaotic effects; he was a senior member of the exclusive Magic Circle.